Newbie Q#2: How does one correctly pressure wash his/her engine?
03-23-04, 11:45 PM
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Newbie Q#2: How does one correctly pressure wash his/her engine?
Hey guys...everyone I've asked is giving me completely dfiferent answers. I know you're supposed to cover up the distributor and intake...avoid spark plugs and electronics...but should the water be hot, warm, or cold? Should the engine be hot, warm, or cold? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
-Galen
-Galen
03-24-04, 12:19 AM
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Yes, use a hose. Soak your engine with a good environmental degreaser(simply green ect.) let sit for 10 min. Get a good brush with long handle and one with short handle, preferably with medium stiff bristles. Put on some good gloves(there are lots of sharp edges under a hood) and scrub any dirty surface you can reach with the brushes. I have not looked under a second gen. hood in a while but cover any electrical you are afraid will not handle some water. With a low pressure nozle spray off the degreaser as well as get your hose in there and spray any ledges that hold rocks and dirt. Reapply degreaser where needed and repeat, then fire up the engine and dry off. After dry apply your favorite protectant to a rag and wipe all hoses and plastic. If you spray you end up with a spotty job.
The problem with high pressure is you are most likely going to force water where it is not good, as well as you have less control, your garden hose will do fine.
Don't forget to clean the nice mess you will have under the car after(especially if it's on your parents driveway).
The problem with high pressure is you are most likely going to force water where it is not good, as well as you have less control, your garden hose will do fine.
Don't forget to clean the nice mess you will have under the car after(especially if it's on your parents driveway).
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03-24-04, 07:28 AM
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After wash & rinse, a leaf blower (or air blast nozzle) will dry it out.
Then give it a light mist of armorall.
Then use the leaf blower (or air blast) to smooth & shine the armorall.
It not only shines up all the plastic, rubber, & vinyl, but it also helps protect the electrical connections.
Then give it a light mist of armorall.
Then use the leaf blower (or air blast) to smooth & shine the armorall.
It not only shines up all the plastic, rubber, & vinyl, but it also helps protect the electrical connections.
03-24-04, 08:55 AM
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Please, for the love of god, do not start the engine just after washing it.
The best thing to do is bring the car to wherever you're washing it, seal off all the electrical connections and such (as stated), then start the car just so that you know you did not accidentally mess anything up (that you would otherwise have attributed to the water) such as knock a connection or terminal loose. Now wash the engine bay, scrub, use cleaners if you wish, etc. Then just let the thing dry for a few hours.
The last thing you want to do is start the engine when it's covered in water. There are so many places that should not be inhaling water, that it's just not a good idea.
Just a word of advice from someone who's lived and learned.
The best thing to do is bring the car to wherever you're washing it, seal off all the electrical connections and such (as stated), then start the car just so that you know you did not accidentally mess anything up (that you would otherwise have attributed to the water) such as knock a connection or terminal loose. Now wash the engine bay, scrub, use cleaners if you wish, etc. Then just let the thing dry for a few hours.
The last thing you want to do is start the engine when it's covered in water. There are so many places that should not be inhaling water, that it's just not a good idea.
Just a word of advice from someone who's lived and learned.
03-24-04, 12:06 PM
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I had mine power washed at a car wash that had a detailing section. Covered alternator, ignitors, and stuffed rags in the intake. Let the car cool 1 hour before the wash. High pressure hose to blow off H2O and than hand dried as best possible. She started right up, no problems and relatively clean.
Brought it home and did a detail cleaning on the spots that were missed.
The only problem with an at home hose wash is the crap/oil/cleaner that may set into your driveway whatever it is made of. A few bucks is worth the good cleaning and a clean driveway.
Brought it home and did a detail cleaning on the spots that were missed.
The only problem with an at home hose wash is the crap/oil/cleaner that may set into your driveway whatever it is made of. A few bucks is worth the good cleaning and a clean driveway.
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